Hay fever symptoms vary in severity and may be worse some years, depending on the weather conditions and pollen count. The time of year your symptoms start will depend on the types of pollen you're allergic to. The symptoms of hay fever include: frequent sneezing runny or blocked nose itchy, red or watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) an itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears cough, caused by postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the throat from the back of the nose) Less commonly, you may also experience: the loss of your sense of smell (anosmia) facial pain (caused by blocked sinuses) headaches earache tiredness and fatigue Even though your hay fever symptoms may be mild, they can interfere with your sleep and your daily activities at school or work.